Setting Students Up To Do Well.

For many people, school has started and for others, it will be starting soon.  With students already in and out due to COVID, it is important to establish a framework to help students do well in Math.  It is important to set things up at the start of the year.  

Look at doing something a bit different on the first day of school.  Instead of going over the syllabus, assessments, etc, look at laying down a strong support system, listing expectations, and try to get them excited and inspired about math for the year.

Admittedly, many students arrive in class with the attitude that they just can't do math because they aren't good at it, they inherited their parents ability to struggle, or other similar belief and it is important to change their minds.  They need to believe that they and anyone else can do math. In addition, they need to know that it is ok to both struggle and make mistakes.  They should accept that making mistakes is an important part of learning. So start the year with an activity that can help them change that belief.

One should also create a classroom where children feel included. This means that trust should be built between the teacher and students and that you care for them.  They should understand that you are there because you want to be rather than you are there because you have to be and that you want them there in the classroom.  Without trust and the feeling that you want them there, the classroom may not feel as welcoming and inclusive.

On the first day of class, use an activity rather than standing there and talking all period long.  This shows them what will happen instead of just droning on and on. Choose an activity that graph their attention and gets them involved such as the 10 items one. Begin by asking students how good they are at remembering things. Then give them a list of 10 unrelated items to remember and see how well they do.  Once they've done the list, go back over and help them associate items in a way to help them use these visualizations to remember the list of unrelated items.

Look at selecting another activity to help students explore their mindset using either a 3 act play or even something from Jo Boaler but it needs to be one that will spark curiosity. The activity should leave students feeling as if this year might be fun or interesting.  Then take time to let your students know how you've set the class up to support your expectations and their success.  

In fact, the first day of class is great for a collaborative activity because you are showing them that collaboration is an important part of the learning process.  For the first collaborative activity, consider using random grouping as a way of breaking the ice and having students work with people they would not normally choose to work with.

In a way, this is the teachers way of hooking students so they want to keep trying through the year.  Next time, I'll be looking at the why the first 30 days of class is important.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.